Symptoms of childhood leukemia

The signs or symptoms of childhood leukemia may vary depending on the specific type of leukemia. Symptoms of acute leukemias often appear quickly, over days or weeks. Symptoms of chronic leukemias develop over a longer period of time. Other health conditions can cause the same symptoms as childhood leukemia.

Symptoms of all types of childhood leukemia include:

fatigue

pale skin

frequent infections

fever

easy bleeding or bruising, which can lead to frequent or severe nose bleeds, widespread bruising, bleeding gums and red spots on the skin (called petechiae)

bone or joint pain (may cause limping)

swollen abdomen (caused by enlarged liver or spleen)

loss of appetite

weight loss

enlarged lymph nodes

coughing

trouble breathing

swelling of the face and arms

weakness

Sometimes leukemia spreads to the central nervous system (CNS), causing the following signs and symptoms: